The Champion of VirtuesTaken from Formation in Christian Love, Vol. 3: Secondary Age of Innocence, see pg. 26.This work ethic expresses the theology of work because the good is difficult it takes "toil with the sweat of your brow" overcome the effects of original sin. Whereas charity is the mother of all virtues and prudence is their charioteer, industriousness champion of all virtue. All virtues require charity for without charity they account for nothing. (see St. Paul.)

All virtues require prudence to bring moderation to avoid excesses and deficiencies, which might violate justice and the nature, any particular virtue. However, all virtues require a work ethic in order to overcome the difficult and acquire the good. Teresa of Avila spoke of a determined determination that is that grit of spirit that gets the job done as God asks of each person.

St. John compare the spiritual life to a journey to a mountaintop and the journey is arduous. And as St. Thomas had said, "the good is difficult." In this way, industriousness becomes the champion of each virtue as one applies diligence in doing what is necessary to acquire it.

We can see that generosity plays a role in helping others through unselfishness and cheerfulness. Responsibility also is concerned helping others to do the same and acting for the benefit of others while accepting consequences of personal decisions. It would also contribute to the fulfillment of that work that each person has according to their station and place in the family. In accomplishing work fortitude takes the form of perseverance in following those decisions, overcoming the obstacles and achieving the goals. Patience is related to enduring the hardships and suffering that may be involved.

Since the good is difficult it is hard work to acquire any virtue. Therefore, industrious plays a practical role in acquiring all other virtues, moral and theological. We can easily say that the saint is the most industrious of people for they have been most diligent in fulfilling the things of God.

Parents intuitively understand the importance of industry as shown by the interest and emphasis they place on their children's tasks, responsibilities, schoolwork and even athletic endeavors.

In mid-childhood, there is an increase in energy. This shows itself in a persistent desire for activity. The child of this age is constantly playing energetically, running. jumping around and constructing all manner of objects. This unceasing activity is often too much for the adults who surround him.